Having demonstrated that it is the perfect blend of sports sedan-like driving dynamics and SUV utility in markets around the world, the BMW X1 is setting out to conquer the US.

The talented Sport Activity Vehicle of the premium sub-compact segment will make its US market debut armed with state-of-the-art powertrain technology, innovative features, selective design modifications and extensive interior refinements. The new 2013 BMW X1 will arrive in authorized BMW Centers in the fall of 2012 starting at an MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling).

The X1 has proven to be highly successful, with sales having already exceeded 275,000. As has been the case with other models before it, the BMW X1 finds itself in a competitive market segment that it virtually spawned. Unlike other BMW SAVs, X1s destined for the US will be built in BMW’s Leipzig, Germany plant. The popularity of the X1 around the globe has proven so great that X1s for the Chinese market will now be built in a newly opened plant at Tiexi in Shenyang Province.

The arrival of the BMW X1 to the US coincides with an update that includes exterior and interior refinements as well as a host of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. All models feature Brake Energy Regeneration while the X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i models also benefit from Auto Start/Stop and ECO PRO mode to further reduce fuel consumption.

Another element of the update is the availability of BMW Lines for the first time in an SAV, as an alternative to the base trim level. Both the BMW xLine and BMW Sport Line offer exclusive design and equipment features. The xLine emphasizes the robust versatility of the new BMW X1 while the Sport Line accentuates its performance and handling. For enthusiasts who want to accentuate the sporting character of their X1 even further, an M Sport Package is also available.

Design: New touches highlight its elegance, versatility and sportiness.

Typical BMW proportions, vibrant surfaces and signature BMW X model design cues shape the appearance of the X1. A sweeping hood, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment emphasize its dynamic talent, while attractive light and shade effects hint at its inherent agility. The versatility and ruggedness of a BMW X model are reflected in elements such as the black bordering at the lower edge of the body and the muscular wheel arches.

Above all, the new BMW X1 conveys even more strikingly the powerful stance that distinguishes BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicles. In the case of the X1, the look reflects the unique combination of the elevated seating position and flexible utility of an SAV with the driving dynamics of a BMW sports sedan.

In addition to the inserts in the front and rear fascia and the special side skirt covers, the circular foglamps positioned under the headlights add to the hallmark features of a BMW X model. Beyond this, the new BMW X1 boasts attractive touches of sporting luxury.

Front view: Even more details in the style of a BMW X model.

When viewed from the front, the powerful stance of the new BMW X1 on the road is immediately evident. The path of the car’s lines, which converge along the sides of the BMW kidney grille, follows the V-shaped contours of the hood, forging downwards and outwards in the lower section of the bumper to create the sweeping “X” familiar from the X1’s larger siblings. The striking lines go hand in hand with a detailed execution of the body’s surface styling, signaling a sporty character. The foglamps are now level with an extra crease line that forms a discreet scoop along the upper edge of the lights and continues into the fenders. Newly designed headlights afford a detailed view of the car’s advanced light technology. In the upper area, a chrome accent strip now cuts across the top of the twin round headlights, while an LED accent light – included as part of the optional xenon light package – ensures the classic BMW focused look. The available xenon headlights also feature LED light rings for the daytime running lights.

Side view: Characteristic proportions, new exterior mirrors.

The character line that rises steadily to the rear of the car, an additional line extending the contours of the side glass graphic as it runs rearwards, and powerfully flared wheel arches allow the BMW X1 to project a very distinctive profile. The pronounced side skirts are a signature feature of BMW X models, while the directional indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors.

Rear view: Focused emphasis on a wide and powerful stance.

The premium feel of the new BMW X1 is also underlined at the rear by the new subdivision of fascia, bumper and undertray. Repositioned reflectors are now bordered by surfaces painted in body color. As a result, the black plastic elements are slimmer, while the silver-colored undertray has a more striking surface structure. Furthermore, the contours of the LED taillights now flow harmoniously into the line of the tailgate handle. A stronger emphasis on the horizontal lines gives the X1 both a robust and sporty appearance.

The modifications to the design of the new BMW X1 interior create an even more vivid showcase of the sporty driving pleasure and cutting-edge versatility. The side of the center console, angled towards the driver, is now shallower and boasts a particularly high-grade surface quality. This highlights the driver-focused principle of the cockpit design. The panel for the sound and climate system controls now has a high-gloss black surface to match the air vent surround.

The new BMW X1 comes with a storage compartment in the center of the instrument panel. In vehicles with the optional navigation system, this houses the central Control Display for the iDrive operating system. Chrome accents on the side surrounds of the onboard monitor highlight this feature. High-quality electroplated surrounds for the gearshift lever and the center console cup holder as well as a chrome clip on the headlight switch add the finishing touches to the interior’s exclusive ambience.

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: Available in four or six-cylinder form.

The BMW X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i feature BMW’s newest 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine (N20). This dynamic and efficient engine delivers maximum power of 240 hp at 5,000 rpm while the maximum torque of 260 lb-ft is developed at just 1,250 rpm and

This engine is the most powerful in a new generation of 4-cylinder engines designed in accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, which aims to combine increased driving enjoyment with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In technical terms, this 4-cylinder engine is modeled on the current multi-award-winning inline 6-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (N55), which is the benchmark in its class for dynamic power delivery and impressive efficiency. This world-exclusive technology combines High Precision Direct Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing with twin-scroll turbocharging.

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User Comments

I get 30 mpg on the highway right now on my 4000 lb 535i xDrive, and that is with a twin-turbo V6. This car weighs less than 4000 lbs, ONLY has a 4 cylinder twin turbo, all the latest gas saving technology and still only manages the same highway mpg.

BMW needs to bring their diesel xDrive version over right now, and not wait till next year.

I drove it as the courtesy car for 5 days. The fuel consumption was horrible. The new turbo engine was noisy and coarse. It's hardly comparable to the N52 Inline 6 engine. BMW is absolutely making a big mistake to replace the normally-inspired inline 6 engines.

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